Wireless sound charging and powering of healthcare gadgets and sensors

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides wireless charging and powering methods for healthcare gadgets and wireless sensors. The method may include wireless power transmission through suitable techniques such as pocket-forming. The methods may include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. In some embodiments the transmitters and receivers may be embedded to medical devices and wireless sensors, respectively. In other embodiments, the receiver may be integrated into wireless sensors. In yet another embodiment, the transmitters may be positioned on strategic places so as to have a wider range for wireless power transmission to portable electronic medical devices and wireless sensors.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is related to U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 13/891,430 filed May 10, 2013, entitled“Methodology For Pocket-forming”; Ser. No. 13/925,469 filed Jun. 24,2013, entitled “Methodology for Multiple Pocket-Forming”; Ser. No.13/946,082 filed Jul. 19, 2013, entitled “Method for 3 DimensionalPocket-forming”; Ser. No. 13/891,399 filed May 10, 2013, entitled“Receivers for Wireless Power Transmission” and Ser. No. 13/891,445filed May 10, 2013, entitled “Transmitters For Wireless PowerTransmission”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein bythese references.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to wireless sound power transmission, andmore particularly, to wireless charging and powering methods forhealthcare gadgets and sensors through sound waves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The often large and cumbersome medical devices such as the ones used formeasurement (e.g., infrared electronic thermometer, blood pressuremonitor, blood glucose meter, pulse oximeter and ECG monitor) and otherssuch as ultrasound machines have become smaller in terms of dimensions,remain durable for a longer period of time, and are less expensive asthe electronic technology evolves to maturity. However, in order forthese devices to become portable they need to use batteries to get thepower they need to work. The constant use of these devices demandscharging their batteries more often. In hospitals or healthcare centersthis may be troublesome and inconvenient for the staff since they maynot have enough time to fully charge their healthcare gadgets.

Therefore, there is still a need for a method that allows portableelectronic medical devices to charge or power themselves in a wirelessfashion while using them and hence avoiding the need of cables.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides wireless sound charging and poweringmethods for healthcare gadgets and wireless sensors. The method mayinclude a type of transmitter which may be employed for sending SoundWave (SW) signals to electronic devices, such as portable medicalelectronic devices and wireless sensors. Portable medical electronicdevices and wireless sensors may include a type of receiver embedded orattached to it for converting SW signals into suitable electricity forpowering and charging themselves. The technique employed may be known aspocket-forming and may be incorporated here by reference.

A first embodiment for providing wireless power to medical devices, maybe provided. In this embodiment, a transmitter may be located at theceiling of a living room or common area of a hospital and providewireless power transmission to a plurality of portable medicalelectronic devices.

A second embodiment for providing wireless power inside a recovery roomof a patient, may be provided. In this embodiment, a transmitter may belocated at the ceiling of a recovery room of a patient and providewireless power transmission to any portable medical electronic device,such as a tablet which may display the patient's records, that a doctor,nurse or any of the like, may be using to analyze the patient.

A third embodiment for providing wireless power to wireless sensors,which may be used for measuring physiological parameters of a patient,may be provided. In this embodiment, wireless sensors may communicatewith a plurality of medical devices wirelessly and at the same timecharge or power themselves by following the method described hereinknown as pocket-forming.

Numerous other aspects, features and benefits of the present disclosuremay be made apparent from the following detailed description takentogether with the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of examplewith reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and maynot be drawn to scale. Unless indicated as representing prior art, thefigures represent aspects of the present disclosure. The main featuresand advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood withthe following descriptions, claims, and drawings, where:

FIG. 1 illustrates a component level embodiment for a transmitter,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a component level embodiment for a receiver,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates two embodiments of medical electronic devices whichmay include a receiver, as the one described in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first embodiment for providing wireless power toportable medical electronic devices, based on pocket-forming.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment for providing wireless power toportable medical electronic devices, based on pocket-forming.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment for providing wireless power towireless sensors used for measuring physiological parameters of apatient, based on pocket-forming.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Definitions

“Pocket-forming” may refer to generating two or more sound waves whichconverge in 3-d space, forming controlled constructive and destructiveinterference patterns.

“Pockets of energy” may refer to areas or regions of space where energyor power may accumulate in the form of constructive interferencepatterns of sound waves.

“Null-space” may refer to areas or regions of space where pockets ofenergy do not form because of destructive interference patterns of soundwaves.

“Transmitter” may refer to a device, including a chip which may generatetwo or more sound wave signals, at least one SW signal being phaseshifted and gain adjusted with respect to other SW signal, substantiallyall of which pass through one or more SW transducer such that focused SWsignals are directed to a target.

“Receiver” may refer to a device including at least one antenna element,at least one rectifying circuit and at least one power converter, whichmay utilize pockets of energy for powering, or charging an electronicdevice.

“Adaptive pocket-forming” may refer to dynamically adjustingpocket-forming to regulate power on one or more targeted receivers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, whichmay not be to scale or to proportion, similar symbols typically identifysimilar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrativeembodiments described in the detailed description, drawings and claims,are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used and/or andother changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a transmitter 100 that can be used forpocket-forming. In this embodiment, transmitter 100 may be used toprovide wireless power transmission. Transmitter 100 may include ahousing 102 having at least two or more transducer elements 104, atleast one SW integrated circuit (SWIC 106), at least one digital signalprocessor (DSP) or micro-controller 108, and one communicationscomponent 110. Housing 102 can be made of any suitable material whichmay allow for signal or wave transmission and/or reception, for exampleplastic or hard rubber. Transducer elements 104 may include suitableantenna types for operating in frequency bands such as 10 KHz to 50 KHzas these frequency bands are especially good for use with medicalequipment (Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipment). Transducerelements 104 may include a piezoelectric device or some other similardevice that produces sound waves and can be controlled by amicro-controller in the transmitter. Micro-controller 108 may thenprocess information sent by a receiver through a communicationscomponent 110 for determining optimum times and locations forpocket-forming. Communications component 110 may be based on standardwireless communication protocols including an RF antenna which utilizeBluetooth, Wi-Fi or ZigBee protocols. In addition, communicationscomponent 110 may be used to transfer other information such as anidentifier for the device or user, battery level, location or other suchinformation. Other communications component 110 may be possible whichmay include radar, infrared cameras or sound devices for sonictriangulation for determining the device's position.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a receiver 200 that can be used forpocket-forming. In this embodiment, receiver 200 may be used forpowering or charging an electronic device. Receiver 200 may also includea housing 202 having at least one sensor element 204 for receiving thepower sound waves, one rectifier 206, one power converter 208 and one ormore communications component 210. Housing 202 can be made of anysuitable material which may allow for signal or wave transmission and/orreception, for example plastic or hard rubber. Housing 202 may be anexternal hardware that may be added to different electronic equipment,for example in the form of cases, or can be embedded within electronicequipment as well. Sensor element 204 may include a suitable sensortypes for operating in frequency bands such as those described fortransmitter 100 from FIG. 1. Using multiple transducers can bebeneficial in devices where there may not be a preferred orientationduring usage or whose orientation may vary continuously through time,for example a smartphone or portable gaming system. On the contrary, fordevices with well-defined orientations, for example a two-handed videogame controller, there might be a preferred configuration of transducerswhich may dictate a ratio for the number of transducers in a particularconfiguration for charging the electronic devices.

This may further prove advantageous as a receiver, such as receiver 200,may dynamically modify its sensor to optimize wireless powertransmission. Rectifier 206 may include diodes or resistors, inductorsor capacitors to rectify the alternating current (AC) voltage generatedby sensor element 204 to direct current (DC) voltage. Rectifier 206 maybe placed as close as is technically possible to sensor element 204 tominimize losses. After rectifying AC voltage, DC voltage may beregulated using power converter 208. Power converter 208 can be a DC-DCconverter which may help provide a constant voltage output, regardlessof input, to an electronic device, or as in this embodiment to a battery212. Typical voltage outputs can be from about 5 volts to about 10volts.

In some embodiments, power converter 208 may include electronic switchedmode DC-DC converters which can provide high efficiency. In such a case,a capacitor (not shown) may be included before power converter 208 toensure sufficient current is provided for the switching device tooperate. When charging an electronic device, for example a phone orlaptop computer, initial high currents which can break-down theoperation of an electronic switched mode DC-DC converter may berequired. In such a case, a capacitor (not shown) may be added at theoutput of receiver 200 to provide the extra energy required. Afterwards,lower power can be provided, for example 1/80 of the total initial powerwhile having the phone or laptop still build-up charge. Lastly, acommunications component 210 may be included in receiver 200 tocommunicate with a transmitter or to other electronic equipment. Such acommunications component 210 may be based on standard wirelesscommunication protocols which may include Bluetooth, WI-Fi or ZigBeesimilar to communications component 110 from transmitter 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates two embodiments of portable electronic medicaldevices 300 which may include a receiver 200, as the one described inFIG. 2.

FIG. 3A then shows a first embodiment where a portable medicalelectronic device such as a blood glucose meter 302 may include areceiver 200, as the one described in FIG. 2. Receiver 200 may beembedded or attached in the back side of blood glucose meter 302.Receiver 200 may include an array of sensor elements 204 strategicallydistributed on the grid area shown in FIG. 3A. The number and type ofsensor elements 204 may be calculated according to the blood glucosemeter 302's design.

FIG. 3B shows a second embodiment where a portable medical electronicdevice such as portable ultrasound machine 304 may include a receiver200, as the one described in FIG. 2. Receiver 200 may be embedded on thefront and sides of portable ultrasound machine 304. Receiver 200 mayinclude an array of sensor elements 204 strategically distributed on thegrid area shown in FIG. 3B. The number and type of sensor elements 204may be calculated according to the portable ultrasound machine 304'sdesign.

The above described may not be limited to portable electronic medicaldevices 300 that is shown in FIG. 3. Receiver 200 may also be includedin a plurality of medical electronic devices such as infrared electronicthermometer, electronic pads like tablets, blood pressure monitor, bloodglucose meter, pulse oximeter, and ECG among others. The number and typeof sensor elements 204 are calculated according the medical electronicdevice's design.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first embodiment for providing wireless powertransmission 400 to portable electronic medical devices 300, based onpocket-forming. Transmitter 100 may be located at the ceiling of aliving room pointing downwards, and may transmit controlled sound waves402 which may converge in 3-d space. These Sound Waves 402 may becontrolled through phase and/or relative amplitude adjustments to formconstructive and destructive interference patterns (pocket-forming).Pockets of energy 404 may be formed at constructive interferencepatterns and can be 3-dimensional in shape whereas null-spaces may begenerated at destructive interference patterns. A receiver 200, embeddedor attached to portable electronic medical devices 300, may then utilizepockets of energy 404 produced by pocket-forming for charging orpowering these devices, and thus effectively providing wireless powertransmission 400.

In an embodiment, transmitter 100 may include a housing 102 where atleast two or more transducer elements 104, at least one SW integratedcircuit (SWIC 106), at least one digital signal processor (DSP) ormicro-controller 108, and one communications component 110 may beincluded. Transmitter 100 may also include a local oscillator chip forconverting alternating current (AC) power to SW signals. Such SW signalsare firstly be phase and gain adjusted through an SWIC 106 proprietarychip, and then converted to SW signals 402 via transducer elements 104.On the other hand, receiver 200 may include a housing 202 where at leastone sensor element 204, at least one rectifier 206 and at least onepower converter 208 may be included. Receiver 200 may communicate withtransmitter 100 through short RF waves 402 or pilot signals sent throughan antenna element connected to the communication circuit 222. In someembodiments, receiver 200 may include an optional communications devicefor communicating on standard wireless communication protocols such asBluetooth, Wi-Fi or Zigbee with transmitter 100. In some embodiments,receiver 200 may be implemented externally to medical electronic devicesin the form of cases, e.g. tablet cases, phone cases and the like whichmay connect through suitable and well known in the art techniques suchas universal serial bus (USB). In other embodiments, receiver 200 may beembedded within electronic devices.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment for providing wireless powertransmission 500 to portable electronic medical devices 300, based onpocket-forming. In this embodiment, transmitter 100 may be locatedinside a recovery room, more specifically transmitter 100 may be fixedat the ceiling of the recovery room of a patient. Doctor 502 may use aportable electronic medical device 300 such as a tablet where he maycheck the patient's record and do other medical tasks. Transmitter 100may then produce controlled SW 504 and send them to portable electronicmedical device 300, which may include a receiver 200 either embedded orattached to it, as the one described in FIG. 2. Controlled SW 504 maythen create pockets of energy 506 on receiver 200. Receiver 200 mayconvert pockets of energy 506 to generate charge or power to portableelectronic medical device 300.

The embodiment described above is not limited for rooms where patientshave a pacemaker. The controlled SW signals 504 will not interfere ordamage the functioning of those type of devices because of anyelectromagnetic fields.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment for providing wireless powertransmission 600 to wireless sensors 602 which may be used for measuringphysiological parameters of a patient. In this embodiment, multipletransmitters 100 attached or embedded to medical devices 604 may providecontrolled sound waves 606 to wireless sensors 602. Controlled soundwaves 606 may then create pockets of energy 608 on receivers 200, whichmay be integrated in wireless sensors 602. Receivers 200 may thenconvert pockets of energy 506 to generate charge or power to wirelesssensors 602.

The embodiment described above may be limited for rooms where patientsdo not have a pacemaker. The controlled sound waves 606 will notinterfere or damage the functioning of these type of devices which areoften affected by electromagnetic fields.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and arenot intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit beingindicated by the following claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:
 1. A method for wirelesstransmission of power to an electronic medical device or a sensor,comprising: connecting a transmitter to a power source within a medicalfacility or patient room; generating pocket forming power SW signalsfrom a SW circuit embedded within the transmitter; generatingcommunication signals from a communication circuit embedded within thetransmitter; controlling the generated power SW signals and thecommunication signals with a digital signal processor; transmitting thepower SW and communication signals through at least two transducers andone antenna, respectively, electrically connected to the SW circuitryand communication circuits within the transmitter; capturing pockets ofenergy produced by the pocket-forming power SW signals in converging in3-D space at a receiver with an antenna connected to the medical deviceor sensor for converting the pockets of energy into a DC voltage forcharging or powering the medical device or sensor; and receiving thecommunication signals at the receiver to generate location, powerrequirements or other information between the transmitter and receiverof the electronic medical device or sensor.
 2. A method for wirelesspower transmission in an electronic medical device or a sensor,comprising the steps of: emitting power sound waves from a transmittergenerating pockets of energy in 3-D space through pocket-forming in amedical facility or a patient room; coupling receivers to the electronicmedical device or sensor; capturing the pockets of energy in 3-D spaceat the receivers; and powering or charging the electronic medical deviceor sensor from the captured pockets of energy.
 3. The method forwireless transmission of power to an electronic medical device or asensor of claim 1, wherein the pocket-forming transmitter is centrallylocated in a recovery room, operating room, patient room, emergency roomor common area of a hospital for charging the electronic medical deviceor the sensor.
 4. The method for wireless transmission of power to anelectronic medical device or a sensor of claim 1, wherein thepocket-forming transmitter is located on the ceiling in a recovery room,operating room, patient room, emergency room or common area of ahospital for charging the electronic medical device or the sensor. 5.The method for wireless transmission of power to an electronic medicaldevice or a sensor of claim 1, wherein the electronic medical device orsensor is a portable blood glucose meter, portable ultrasound machine,infrared electronic thermometer, electronic pads with electronic medicalrecords, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, portable EKG or anyother electronic device used by a medical professional or a hospitaladministrator.
 6. The method for wireless transmission of power to anelectronic medical device or a sensor of claim 1, wherein thepocket-forming transmitter controls the power sound waves through phaseand relative amplitude adjustments to form constructive interferencepatterns to form pockets of energy in the 3-D space.
 7. The method forwireless transmission of power to an electronic medical device or asensor of claim 1, wherein the receiver is embedded or attached to aportable electronic medical device or sensor.
 8. The method for wirelesstransmission of power to an electronic medical device or a sensor ofclaim 1, wherein the transducers in the transmitter and the sensor inthe receiver operate in the frequency bands of 10 KHz to 50 KHz.
 9. Themethod for wireless transmission of power to an electronic medicaldevice or a sensor of claim 1, further includes the step of generatingmultiple pockets of energy from the pocket-forming transmitter to poweror charge multiple electronic medical devices or sensors within themedical facility or patient room where the transmitter is located. 10.The method for wireless transmission of power to an electronic medicaldevice or a sensor of claim 1, wherein the digital signal processor is amicroprocessor or microcontroller controlling the SW and communicationsignals to the receiver.
 11. The method for wireless transmission ofpower to an electronic medical device or a sensor of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of communicating between the sensor receiver and thetransmitter through the communication signals or pilot signals onconventional wireless communication protocols including Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, Zigbee or FM radio signals.
 12. The method for wirelesstransmission of power to an electronic medical device or a sensor ofclaim 1, wherein the communication signals sent by the receiver provideoptimum times and locations for pocket-forming and the convergence ofpockets of energy in 3-D space at a predetermined electronic medicaldevice or sensor.
 13. A wireless transmission of power to an electronicmedical device or a sensor, comprising: a pocket-forming transmitter foremitting power sound waves to form pockets of energy to converge in 3-dspace connected to a power source; and a receiver embedded or attachedto the medical device or sensor for receiving and converting the pocketsof energy for charging or powering the battery in the electronic medicaldevice or sensor.
 14. The wireless transmission of power to anelectronic medical device or a sensor of claim 13, wherein thepocket-forming transmitter is centrally located in a medical facility orpatient room to power or charge the battery in multiple portableelectronic medical devices or sensors.
 15. The wireless transmission ofpower to an electronic medical device or a sensor of claim 13, whereinthe pocket-forming transmitter is located on the ceiling of a medicalfacility or patient room to power or charge the battery in the medicaldevice or sensor.
 16. The wireless transmission of power to anelectronic medical device or a sensor of claim 1, wherein the receiveris embedded or attached on a front or a side of a portable ultrasoundmachine.
 17. The wireless transmission of power to an electronic medicaldevice or a sensor of claim 12, wherein the receiver is embedded orattached in a back side of a blood glucose meter or blood pressuremonitor.
 18. An apparatus for wireless power transmission to anelectronic medical device, comprising: a portable transmitter having atleast two or more transducer elements, at least one SW integratedcircuit, at least one digital signal processor or micro-controller, onecommunication circuit to generate pockets of energy consisting ofconstructive patterns of power sound waves in 3-D space frompocket-forming; and a receiver embedded or attached to the electronicmedical device having at least one sensor element, at least onerectifier, at least one power converter and a communication circuit forcommunicating with the transmitter the location and power requirementsof the medical device for receiving the pockets of energy in 3-D spaceto charge or power the electronic medical device.
 19. The apparatus forwireless power transmission to an electronic medical device of claim 18,wherein the communication circuitry of the transmitter and receiverutilizes Bluetooth, infrared, Wi-Fi, FM radio or Zigbee for thecommunication protocols between the receiver and the transmitter. 20.The apparatus for wireless power transmission to an electronic medicaldevice of claim 18, wherein the transmitter further includespiezoelectric transducers for creating the power sound waves.
 21. Theapparatus for wireless power transmission to an electronic medicaldevice of claim 18, wherein the transducer elements of the transmitteroperate in frequency bands of 10 KHz to 50 KHz.
 22. The apparatus forwireless power transmission to an electronic medical device of claim 18,wherein the transducer elements of the transmitter operate inindependent frequencies that allow a multichannel operation ofpocket-forming in constructive and destructive waves patterns.
 23. Theapparatus for wireless power transmission to an electronic medicaldevice of claim 18, wherein the transducer elements of the transmitterare transducers configured by micro-controller to provide power soundwaves.